Ruapehu

Need to know ...

The Ruapehu region offers unparalleled opportunities for outdoor adventure. Set on a high-altitude plateau and watched over by three volcanic mountains – Tongariro, Ngauruhoe and Ruapehu – you can even ski on a live volcano during the winter months. But that’s not all. Within an hour of enjoying a gourmet lunch at a lodge where presidents and princesses have stayed, you could be trekking across a World Heritage National Park or catching a gleaming Rainbow Trout in a mountain-fed stream.

Main Centres

Turangi – trout-fishing capital and ski resort of the North Island.
National Park Village – views of the three volcanoes, a great base for skiers and walkers.
Whakapapa – spectacular setting at the base of Mount Ruapehu.
Ohakune – winter resort and home of the Big Carrot.
Taumaranui – gateway to Whanganui National Park.

Getting There

By Air – Taupo has the nearest airport, forty minutes from Turangi.
By Rail – National Park, Ohakune and Taumarunui are on the main trunk-line with daily services between Auckland and Wellington.
By Road – it is 4 hours, 40 minutes from Auckland; 2 hours, 50 minutes from Hamilton; and 4 hours, 20 minutes from Wellington. Several coach companies provide regular services.

Getting Around

There are regular bus services from Ohakune, National Park and Turangi to Taupo. If you want to get to Tongariro National Park, you’ll find shuttles providing transfers from regional centres to Tongariro Crossing and Whakapapa. Discovery Lodge Shuttle to Tongariro Crossing leaves Whakapapa Village from 6am (t 0800 122 122).

Eating Out

The Bayview Chateau Tongariro (Whakapapa, t +64 7 892 3809) – iconic heritage hotel with two restaurants.
Skotel Alpine Resort (Ngauruhoe Pl, Whakapapa, t +64 7 892 3719) – alpine retreat with restaurant.
Anglers Restaurant (SH41, Turangi, t +64 7 386 8980) – extensive à la carte menu complemented by friendly service and a range of wines, beers and spirits.

Where to Drink

Bayview Chateau Tongariro (Mt Ruapehu, t +64 7 892 3809).
Skotel Alpine Resort (Ngauruhoe Pl, Whakapapa, t +64 7 892 3719).

Did you know?

Notable Culture

The name Tongariro comes from the Maori tonga (south wind) and riro (carried away). According to Maori legend, a famous tohunga (priest) by the name of Ngatoro-i-rangi was stuck on the freezing summit, perilously close to death. With the cry that he was being ‘carried away by the south wind’, he called for his sisters in Hawaiki to bring fire and save him.

Moment in History

In September 1887, Te Heuheu Tukino IV (Horonuku), the Paramount Chief of local Maori tribe Ngati Tuwharetoa, gifted the sacred peaks of Mt Ruapehu, Mt Tongariro and Mt Ngauruhoe
to the people of New Zealand – making Tongariro the nation’s first National Park.

Note This!

Check out the Big Carrot in Ohakune – a huge model carrot paying homage to the region’s main agricultural product.

Trout-fishing Capital

The Ruapehu region is world-renowned for its trophy-sized trout. They were first released into this region in 1898, and now they number in the tens of thousands.
Every winter, between 50,000 and 70,000 Rainbow and Brown Trout migrate up the Tongariro River and tributaries to their spawning grounds. In top condition from summer feeding, the Rainbows average 2kg and the Browns are even larger.

Brown Trout start their winter run in December, but most of the fish move between June and July. The main run of Rainbow Trout generally occurs between May and October.
During summer, trout fishing requires more patience. With the help of a professional guide and a four-wheel-drive vehicle you can access backcountry streams where you’ll feel like the only person on earth as you cast your line. For the ultimate adventure, you can even be delivered to your fishing spot by helicopter.

You will need a special licence to fish in the Lake Taupo district. Licences are available from most sports and fishing shops. The daily bag limit is three fish, and the minimum legal size for Brown and Rainbow Trout is 45cm.

It’s best to hire the services of a local guide. They’ll be able to fill you in on all the best spots and share their invaluable local knowledge. For more information, see www.troutfishingguidesnz.co.nz.

Sights

The triad of volcanic mountains that form the centrepiece of the Central Plateau are an awe-inspiring sight. The imposing Mt Ngauruhoe in Tongariro World Heritage National Park starred as Mt Doom in the Lord of the Rings trilogy.

Action

In the Tongariro region you can ski on an active volcano during the winter season – Turoa and Whakapapa ski areas are situated on Mt Ruapehu.Take a guided walk to the top of Mt Ruapehu in summer. Exploring Tongariro National Park – one of only a few places in the world to have been afforded Dual World Heritage status.

Relax

Enjoy a wine or cocktail in the stylish and historic surrounds of Chateau Tongariro at Whakapapa Village.Take a scenic flight to get a new perspective on just how visually stunning this region is.

THE experience

Pull on your hiking boots and experience the Tongariro Crossing – a 17km walk through an other-worldly landscape of volcanic landforms. It’s widely regarded as New Zealand’s best one-day hike.

Websites to Check Out

www.mtruapehu.com
Whakapapa & Turoa Ski Areas

www.laketauponz.com
Regional Travel Information

www.brownbear.co.nz
Information on Skiing and Snowboarding New Zealand